Arsenal fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu came on as a second-half substitute to help Japan secure a shock 2-1 win against Germany yesterday.
The defender replaced winger Takefusa Kubo at half-time as manager Hajime Moriyasu switched systems. The decision paid off as Tomiyasu played a key role in Japan’s comeback, recovering from a 1-0 deficit to pick up the victory.
Tomiyasu has been a reliable defender for the Gunners since he was brought to the club last year, and Gunners supporters on Twitter praised his contribution as Japan started their World Cup with a bang:
Our supreme defender!!!!!!
— Dino Burns (@DinoCBurns) November 23, 2022
Game changer
— Adeyemi🖤 (@Itzadeyemi00) November 23, 2022
Super tomiyasu
— Andirisaq mohamed (@andirisaq) November 23, 2022
Tomiyasu is THAT GUY
— Jor (@Jpesmith234) November 23, 2022
Game changer🔥
— The Arsenal (@ayears3nal) November 23, 2022
When will these countries learn…You need Arsenal players….lol
— Da Goon- Top of the league Arsenal (@nycgunner74) November 23, 2022
With Spain winning 7-0 against Costa Rica in the other group game, Japan will be confident of making it two wins from two when they face the Central American country this weekend.
If Tomiyasu’s team can get six points from their opening two fixtures, it should be enough to secure passage to the round of 16. We shall see how he fares on Sunday.